After claiming strong results in Qatar, Pedro Acosta and Jaume Masia are ready for the third round of the season this weekend in Portimao.

After a well-deserved weekend off, Red Bull KTM Ajo return to work at the third round of the 2021 Moto3 season: the Portuguese Grand Prix. Jaume Masia and Pedro Acosta head to the Algarve International Circuit in top form, as winners of the first and second rounds of the year, respectively. In addition, the team have fond memories of the circuit, where they won the first ever Moto3 World Championship race at the venue last year.

At the Doha Grand Prix, Acosta grabbed the headlines with his first win on the world stage, doing so having started from pit-lane and made up an 11-second deficit. The Red Bull KTM Ajo rookie has adapted quickly to the Moto3 class and leads the World Championship standings with 45 points, 9 ahead of his nearest rival. Acosta has experience of the Algarve International Circuit, as in February he tested there with the team.

One of the most competitive riders at the Doha Grand Prix, Masia was on pole position and eventually placed ninth in the race. He is currently third in the overall standings, with a total of 32 points. The Spaniard now moves on to Portugal eager to achieve good results, boosted by his having set the fastest ever lap to date on a Moto3 bike at Portimao last year.

The Moto3 Portuguese Grand Prix takes place over 21 laps on Sunday at 11:20 AM local time. Last year, the team won the race with rider Raul Fernandez.

Circuit information – Algarve International Circuit

Length: 4.600 metres / 2,85 miles
Width: 18 metres / 59,06 ft
Left corners: 6
Right corners: 9
Longest straight: 969 metres / 3179,13 ft.
Constructed: 2008

5 JAUME MASIA

“I’m happy with the start of the year so far, especially with the result that we got in the first race. The big positive is the feeling that I took away from Qatar. I can’t wait to get back on the bike and I’m very confident with the effort that the team and I are doing.
My expectations are to work well, on the right path, to try to make as few mistakes as possible and do my best on Sunday. Obviously, I will try to fight for the podium and pick up as many points as possible for the World Championship. It is a difficult circuit, with a lot of different lines, but it is quite new for everyone as we have not been there much in recent years. The last time I was there, I went well, so I have a lot of positive energy and I’m sure it will be a great weekend for us.”

37 PEDRO ACOSTA

“The first two races of the season were very positive, as we were competitive and we were able to adapt well to the demands of the Moto3 World Championship. Overall, it was great.
I approach this Grand Prix with the same expectations that I had for the previous rounds. The objective will be to continue improving and strengthening our weaknesses, such as being more consistent in qualifying. Besides this, I want to enjoy myself and have fun every time I get on the bike.
I really like the Portimao circuit. In the test we did with the team in February, I felt comfortable there. We have a good setup, and this track also suits my riding style well. We will work hard to perform well.”